LEGISLATIVE AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE MINUTES Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. Kent County Administration Building Room 310 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Dan Koorndyk; Commissioners Tom Postmus, Dick Bulkowski, Marvin Hiddema, Jack Horton, Paul Mayhue, Ted Vonk, Harold Mast, and Kenneth Kuipers ALSO PRESENT: County Administrator Daryl Delabbio; Assistant Administrators Mary Swanson and Wayman Britt; Executive Assistant to the Board Jim Day; Board Chair Dave Morren; Board Vice-Chair Roger Morgan; Commissioners Art Tanis and Jack Boelema; County Lobbyist Becky Bechler; Civil Counsel Sherry Batzer; Legal Analyst Sangeeta Ghosh; Management Analysts Darwin Baas and Cathy Weirick; Human Resources Director Donald Clack; Human Resources Manager Gail Glocheski; Pension Plan Administrator Michelle Balcom; Fiscal Services Director Bob White; Facilities Management Director Bob Mihos; Sheriff Larry Stelma; Chief Deputy Tom Hillen; Information Techology Director Craig Paull; Members of the Kent County Republican Party Libby Child, Chris Sexton, Scott Breslin, and Jon Nunn; and Sr. Administrative Specialist Pam Van Keuren NEWS MEDIA: Kyla King, Grand Rapids Press Chair Koorndyk called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. I. PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS REVIEW None. II. PUBLIC COMMENT None. III. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Mr. Mast moved to approve the November 23, 2004, minutes as written. Supported by Mr. Mr. Postmus. Motion carried. IV. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSOCIATES BECKY BECHLER Ms. Bechler reported the Legislature adjourned on December 9 and will return January 12, 2005. At that time, the House of Representatives will return with 37 new members, a new speaker and a new floor leader. It was an inactive lame duck session as the Legislature chose to reintroduce the more difficult and challenging issues for the next 2-year cycle. A handout was provided on various County issues which will continue to be monitored, a copy of which is on file in the Board of Commissioners office. The County had a productive year with its legislative initiatives, passing all of its legislation, changing bills, opposing bills, etc. This next year will bring new challenges for the County and the State as a whole. When the Legislature returns, it will be faced with a $450 million deficit. This will be difficult as both the Governor and Legislature have made it clear that new revenue via tax or fee increases
Page 2 are not an option. A lot of attention will be focused on the Medicaid and healthcare budgets and on unemployment as it continues to grow in Michigan. Two initiatives the Governor and Legislature will be focusing on this next cycle include addressing higher education and MEAP/ACT testing, and also tax restructuring. Tax restructuring is an area the County will want to pay attention to and stay focused on as this develops. Mr. Hiddema asked why one of the bills on the board size legislation was vetoed. Ms. Bechler explained that particular bill, which only applies to charter counties, was vetoed because it was not drafted correctly in the legislative services bureau and was unnecessary as it did not accomplish the goals set forth by Kent County. Mr. Mast inquired about the recent legislation regarding the Community Development Fund and understands that the County s support and involvement on this issue had an effect on the Senate as it was being debated in committee. He asked where these bills stand with the Governor. Ms. Bechler said there does not appear to be a problem with these bills. However, the source of funding has yet to be determined for these bills and is needed in order to implement the program. Mr. Mast asked if the Legislature addressed the possible reorganization of the FIA during the lame duck session that supposedly needed to be accomplished to make up for lost funding. He added that it is vital to stay on top of what is happening in Lansing and keep the pressure on the Legislature to restructure and re-do how government finance is structured, as it could impact the County s revenue sharing. Ms. Bechler stated she researched this issue recently and was not made aware of any bills regarding the FIA reorganization but would look into this again. Mr. Horton asked how the County can be more involved in the tax restructuring proposal and the potential negative impact it could have on the County. He wondered how likely it is that this will happen over the next two years. Ms. Bechler believes that the Governor will put the proposal on the table and it will depend on how dramatic the proposal is. She feels it is important that local units of government get involved and are active in responding to any proposals that come along, and urge the County to be a major participant in this restructuring by communicating with local legislatures and to take an aggressive approach to protect the County s interest in whatever form the tax restructuring proposal might be. Mr. Mayhue asked what direction he should take concerning prisoners getting out of prison without ID. He stated that County Clerk Mary Hollinrake has expressed a willingness to help people who are from Kent County obtain an ID and has discussed this issue with the Secretary of State to help deal with this growing problem.
Page 3 Ms. Bechler stated she would be happy to work with the County Clerk and Secretary of State as well as the Department of Corrections to see what the current policies are and if any changes are needed. Chair Koorndyk thanked Ms. Bechler for the report. V. BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS APPOINTMENTS TO THE VARIOUS BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES Mr. Delabbio stated approval is requested to recommend to the Board of Commissioners various citizen and Commissioner appointments to boards, commissions, and committees for 2005. This request is proposed to go to the Board on January 4, 2005. A summary of the request follows: The Board of Commissioners, on an annual basis, appoints citizens and Commissioners to boards, commissions, and committees in accordance with applicable statutes or its Standing Rules. Nominees to fill vacancies are noted by a check mark on the appointment listing (a copy of which is on file in the Board of Commissioners Office). 183 resumes were received from citizens for 37 citizen vacancies. The Legislative and Human Resources Committee s Appointments Interview Subcommittee reviewed all resumes and conducted interviews of applicants for various vacancies in October and November. The subcommittee members were Commissioners Koorndyk (Chair), Mast, Postmus, and Vonk. No cost or funding is required. Mr. Postmus moved to recommend to the Board of Commissioners the appointments of various citizens and Commissioners to boards, commissions, and committees for 2005. Supported by Mr. Vonk. Chair Koorndyk announced that Commissioner Vander Molen has resigned from the Public Works Board due to other commitments; and Chief Judge Logan will fill the slot of District Judge on the Community Corrections Advisory Board. Mr. Vonk moved that Commissioner Tanis be moved from the Public Works Board s City of Grand Rapids slot to the small cities slot (vacated by Commissioner Vander Molen) and nominated Commissioner Postmus to fill the City of GR slot (vacated by Commissioner Tanis) on the Public Works Board. Supported by Mr. Horton. Chair Koorndyk called for a vote on the amendment. Motion carried.
Page 4 Mr. Horton addressed concerns regarding the integrity of the appointment process, as it has greatly improved over the past few years but feels it has regressed unfortunately due to internal politics. He stated that having served the first term on the Agricultural Preservation Board to carry out the integrity of the process, he is comfortable with Commissioner Rolls replacing him and he intends to continue in the process as a public participant. However, he is disappointed in the recommendation for the citizen appointment and feels the interview process was compromised and that this action will discourage other citizens from applying for future appointments. What has happened at the caucus and in this process is an embarrassment and feels the process, which had a trend of improving from past years, has been corrupted. Mr. Mayhue commented he attended the Republican caucus and what took place is unfortunate as Commissioner Horton is knowledgeable in the area of farmland preservation. It is also unfortunate that one can sometimes get politically punished for taking a stand on something you believe in and does not feel that the two individuals being replaced on the Agricultural Preservation Board should be punished for trying to make the process a better one. Mr. Mayhue further stated that he has concerns with the Republican caucus and how it ties into the Open Meetings Act and questioned the appropriateness of the meeting. He said that what took place at the caucus was neither according to the Open Meetings Act nor Robert s Rules of Order. Mr. Mayhue moved to amend the motion to nominate Commissioner Jack Horton to replace Commissioner Gary Rolls on the Agricultural Preservation Board. Supported by Mr. Bulkowski. Mr. Horton said he appreciates the nomination but requested his name be withdrawn. He believes a more appropriate nomination would be for citizen Bill Hirsch to be reappointed to the Agricultural Preservation Board. Mr. Mayhue withdrew the motion nominating Commissioner Jack Horton to replace Commissioner Gary Rolls on the Agricultural Preservation Board. Mr. Bulkowski withdrew his support. Chair Koorndyk stated that if a Commissioner has an interest in serving on the Board, it is the responsibility of each Commissioner to solicit nominations and support for that nomination. Mr. Vonk feels the process overall went well and given it is a democratic process, you deal with the results. There are numerous issues and everyone is faced with defeat but you go with the majority and sometimes you win and sometimes you lose and that s the way it is. Board Chair Morren commented the appointment process has come a long way over the years and he has been committed to making this process more open by soliciting citizen resumes, interviewing citizens, making it more diverse, and finding more qualified people. Unfortunately, by making this process more open, you attract criticism. He stated there were 37 citizen vacancies, almost all were interviewed. A commissioner has every right to overturn an appointment as they see fit as there are
Page 5 no commitments made to anyone during the interview process, after the interview process or during the caucus. Chair Koorndyk commented on diversity and stated that the various boards and committees are becoming more diverse. Beginning in January 2005, diversity will have increased to 16.5% from 14% (January 2004) and the number of females serving on the various boards and committee is up to 35% from 32%. Mr. Bulkowski added that of the 37 citizen vacancies, 15 of those positions are new appointees. It is good to see new people from the community are serving to provide more leadership in the community. Mr. Bulkowski moved to nominate Bill Hirsch to replace Brent Beuschel on the Agricultural Preservation Board. Supported by Mr. Horton. Mr. Bulkowski provided a brief background on the various applicants and feels Mr. Hirsch should continue serving on this board based on his experience and qualifications. Mr. Horton stated Mr. Beuschel has been placed in a very awkward position. It is unfortunate that proper procedures were not followed as he was encouraged to apply for the position just prior to the caucus after the interview subcommittee had interviewed two other qualified candidates. It would do this Board justice to restore an honorable member on the Agricultural Preservation Board. Mr. Mast said that having served on the interview subcommittee; he feels the subcommittee did an excellent job although there were some differences of opinion which were brought to the caucus. However, he will be voting in favor of Mr. Hirsch as he interviewed well and is an excellent candidate. He expressed his disappointment with this particular situation and is uncomfortable with how the process was handled. This was a fair and equitable process which has failed in this particular instance. Mr. Postmus commented he too was involved in the interview process and both candidates that were interviewed are qualified candidates. He thinks that although questions have been raised about the process, the subcommittee did ask for additional resumes and supports the recommendation of Brent Beuschel to serve on the Agricultural Board. Mr. Kuipers stated that he does not view this process as a failure and thinks that the process has improved from previous years. He respects the work of the interview subcommittee and supports the recommendation of the subcommittee. Mr. Bulkowski stated that while it may be a vast improvement over the past, it does not make it right. If the Board is going to act with integrity, it needs to acknowledge this and accept it and if the Board chooses to go along with the subcommittee s recommendation it must admit it is not right.
Page 6 Chair Morren commented that this appointment process has nothing to do with corruption or integrity but has to do with voting your person. It is offensive to the process and to this Board to suggest that there was corruption or a lack of integrity. Mr. Mayhue said he is glad to see that the boards and committee are more diversified now than they were in the past, but it continues to be an issue with the various boards and committee, including the FIA Board. Chair Koorndyk called for a vote on the amendment to replace Brent Beuschel with Bill Hirsch on the Agricultural Preservation Board. Ayes: Commissioners Mast, Horton, Bulkowski, and Mayhue Nayes: Commissioners Kuipers, Hiddema, Postmus, Vonk and Chair Koorndyk Motion to amend failed. Chair Koorndyk called for a vote on the amended motion. Ayes: Commissioner Kuipers, Hiddema, Mast, Postmus, and Vonk. Nayes: Horton, Bulkowski, and Mayhue Motion carried. VI. MISCELLANEOUS Appointment Process Mr. Bulkowski commented that after talking with Civil Counsel about the way the Republican caucus was held this year, it is the recommendation of Civil Counsel that future caucus meetings held for the various appointments to the boards and committees, be limited to discussion and recommendations and not an actual vote taken. Mr. Kuipers suggested it might be helpful next year to include more detail and comparisons on the number of resumes, the candidates which are interviewed and if the recommendations for the various vacancy slots are new appointments, reappointments, etc. Mr. Mast thanked Mr. Horton for the leadership he has shown in the last two years on the Agricultural Preservation Board and has taken it up to the next level that can now be turned over to Commissioner Rolls who will do an excellent job of guiding it along. Mr. Horton feels that with this difficult process coming to a conclusion, he hopes that the Board can find unity in the years ahead. He added that this is not about partisan politics, but the people we serve and there needs to be more open discussion and debate to address key issues publicly.
Page 7 Mr. Hiddema commented that this is a political process and with it there are ups and downs. It is a democratic process and the results based on the majority must be accepted even if one does not agree with them; we can then be able to talk about it openly, publicly, and move on. Mr. Mayhue addressed the opinion of Civil Counsel which indicates a certain direction the caucus should proceed with and questioned how this opinion will be carried forward. Chair Koorndyk stated he feels the process does work and that nothing was done wrong or unethical and added that everyone has a different perception of how things are said and how things are suppose to work. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business for discussion, Chair Koorndyk wished everyone happy holidays and adjourned the meeting at 9:35 a.m. ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL FOR DISTRIBUTION prv